PTBNLs from the Brewers

NOTE: This is a post by new MetsToday contributor Dan Capwell. Please direct your comments to him. -Joe

The last time the Mets traded an overpriced closer to a contending team for 2 PTBNL, they ended up getting Chris Carter and Eddie Lora from Boston for Billy Wagner. That deal failed on several levels, which is another blog post in itself. Suffice to say however that the K-Rod to Milwaukee deal stirred those memories and evoked thoughts of “here we go again” among many of the Met faithful.

Then Sandy Alderson ended an interview the WFAN’s Joe and Evan with a cryptic comment that one of the two PTBNLs had already been successful at the major league level but was currently back in Milwaukee’s farm system. So, who might this player be? Well, a quick glance at the roster of the Nashville Sounds (The Brewer’s AAA team) provides several names that might fit the description:

• Mat Gamel OF/3B: This is the most intriguing name out there and this intrigue is heightened by the fact that the Brew Crew reassigned Gamel to Nashville just prior the trade. According to the PTNL rules, said player(s) may not be active on a major league roster at or after the time of the deal). A former top draft pick, Gamel was Topps’ 2008 Minor League Player of the Year and has garnered Single A and Double AA All-Star team placement. A third baseman by trade, he has also played some outfield and first base. Currently Gamel is hitting 321/18/58 for the Sounds with a .380 OBP in 76 games. Granted it is in the Pacific Coast League, but he has had similar numbers in Double and Single A leagues. Hard to see the Brewers including him in the deal. This would be a major coup for Alderson.

• Mike McClendon RHRP: A reliever by trade, McClendon is pitching to about an 1.03 WHIP with a .231 BAA in the same batter-friendly PCL. He has also logged 13 innings for Milwaukee and sports a gaudy 3-0 record with a 2.63 ERA. Some of his other peripherals during his stint there are less impressive, but he seems to be the most likely candidate to be “named,” especially in light the Mets looking to move other bullpen pieces.

• Wil Nieves C: Now it starts to get a little scary as the Brewers really do have a bare cupboard at the AAA level. Nieves does have over 375 games worth of major league experience at catcher, including time with the Yankees. He has 50 at bats with the Brewers this year. However his age (34 in September) and his current .224/1/5 line in the PCL are strong indicators that his career as an active player is about finished

• Mark DiFelice RHRP: No the catcher the Mets had in 2007 was Mike DeFelice. This DeFelice is 34 and is currently on injured reserve. That would be a reason, however for the delay in naming of players(shudder).

• Sean Green RHRP: Yes that Sean Green. Another reason to be glad that Omar Minaya is no longer the GM of the Mets

Not a very inspiring list past the first two. Gamel would be a great get, but McClendon is probably the more likely Met-to-be. One thing to watch is the transaction wire. Any player brought up to the big leagues before the trade is completed will not be eligible to be the PTBNL.

What are your thoughts? Can you think of anyone in the Brewers’ system who might be the PTBNLs?

A Mets fan since 1971, Dan spent many summer nights of his childhood watching the Mets on WOR Channel Nine, which his Allentown, PA cable company carried. Dan was present at Game 7 of the 1986 World Series and the Todd Pratt Walkoff Game in 1999. He is also the proud owner of two Shea Stadium seats. Professionally, Dan is a Marketing Manager in the Bulk Materials Handling industry. He lives in Bethlehem PA with his wife and son, neither of whom fully get his obsession with the Mets.

Kyle the point is that Sandy confirmed one of the players to be named later has MLB experience. It says it right at the top of this page. It must be frustrating to be a writer knowing people don’t read everything they write and instead skip to the part they are interested in. No wonder words get twisted around in the media.

Oh wow. I didn’t even see that! I was on mobile and only saw the players.

At this point, I think it’s going to be McClendon and a smaller named prospect. Probably someone out of college last year or high school from a few years back.

SiddFinchJuly 15, 2011 at 1:04 pm

I’d throw one-time Ranger top prospect/MLB washout OF/1B Brandon Boggs or P Manny Parra (who looked liked an Ace at one time before arm and control problems sunk him) as strong possible PTBNL candidates as well. Boggs looks like a classic AAAA-type but Parra is intriguing though, mostly because he’s a southpaw and he can start or relief.